Crate motor vs. rebuilding DZ 302...?

[markjohnson]

I know you seem mainly interested in a small block, but I've noticed that there happens to be a couple of brand new still-crated LS-7 454's on E-bay. Just ask anyone who's ever had one of these. They absolutely fly. A friend had one untouched in a '68 Camaro, Turbo 400, 12 bolt w/3.73's running 11.30's. Don't forget the old adage : Keep Your GM Car All GM.

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
I know you seem mainly interested in a small block, but I've noticed that there happens to be a couple of brand new still-crated LS-7 454's on E-bay. Just ask anyone who's ever had one of these. They absolutely fly. A friend had one untouched in a '68 Camaro, Turbo 400, 12 bolt w/3.73's running 11.30's. Don't forget the old adage : Keep Your GM Car All GM.

[/ QUOTE ]

Might be something I'd consider for my Chevelle but I don't think a BB would be keeping within the Trans-Am theme.

Hard decision,huh?

Build original 302 to keep the correct "feel" of the car,even with the shortcomings of the no-torque/high-rev motor.Over-build it and you expose a motor you may have to twist even harder to make any power.Where's the reliabilty in that?

Buy killer crate motor with all the new,modern high-tech parts but is that going to make it a better car?Will it be a more complete car?Will it make me happy?

The BEST part of driving this car is "winding-out" that little small block.To me,that's what makes a Z/28 a Z/28.
Granted,more torque sure would be nice too and you certainly can't beat cubic inches.

I am still torn but will come to a decision soon...as soon as next wknd when I pull the motor out and see what I have beneath the surface.

Thanks for everyone's input...I really do appreciate it.

John

[Motion Camaro]

<font color="blue">You could always build the 302 a little mellower than the original .....

.... and still make 600+ HP when you 'wind it up'.

How, you say?? --&gt; Let me show ya.






I have a 302 in the making for my Camaro, going twin turbo.
Probably get thAt done the end of next year. </font>

[musclecarjohn]

Wow Motion...that is outrageous!

Looks awesome.

[COPO427]

What I would do and I know how rare the 302's are since I owned a '68 Z/28. I would sent the 302 out for a rebuild and when completed, set it aside. In the meantime, I'd have several options:
1. GM crate 383
2. GM crate ZZ4 with fast burn heads
3. GM 2006 427 small block vette engine (lots of extra cash)

and have fun with the Z/28 and not worrying about destroying the original 302. The value of the car will still be there. If you ever decide to sell the Z/28, then you swap in the 302. Done.

[musclecarjohn]

I did put the car up in the air today and removed the driveshaft but other than that,I didn't get much done.I'm thinking about running an aluminum one...any ideas?I moved out of a storage rental I had into my garage I had my El Camino in which I just sold.

Anyway...long story short...many more magazines! I unloaded some good ones and you know how this slows the process down.

Those holes on the side of the pan are starting to look a little "lower" on the pan than I previously first though.But to answer a previous question,I spun this motor over with the ignition and it sounded like it always did...spins freely,not bound.

I am leaning more towards a crate motor after listening to everyone here and giving it some thought.This would enable me to get on the road sooner with a hi-tech motor and I could bag the DZ for future attention.

That is starting to sound smart...even to me.

[Xplantdad]

That's the ticket John...have a blast!

[SuperNovaSS]

John,You should change your location to Foggy Monterey penninsula!

[markjohnson]

I wouldn't worry about an aluminum driveshaft. Sure, they look neat but the the cost per benefit is not very beneficial. They end up being so thick-walled to match the strength of .083 DOM steel tubing that it's just not worth it. Also the U-joint cups like to gall up in the weld yokes. Spend your money wisely elsewhere, like towards one of those brand new M-22 Muncies after the pain you're going to inflict upon your current M-21 with a new high HP/torque motor!